Clotting in the circuit wastes a dialyser, a session's worth of blood, and sometimes the access itself.
What to know
- Give anticoagulation exactly as prescribed — dose and timing both matter.
- Ensure needle position gives good, unobstructed flow before the pump speed is raised.
- Watch for darkening blood in the venous chamber or rising venous pressure, both early clotting signs.
- Avoid unnecessary pump stops; stagnant blood clots.
- If the circuit clots, follow the disconnection protocol you were taught and call for support.
Talk to your care team
This topic is part of The Treatment Session, one of ten modules in the Trivita Learning Hub. If anything here contradicts what your own nephrologist or dialysis nurse has told you, follow your care team — they know your prescription, your access and your history.
Trivita's dialysis nurses answer our care line 24 hours a day on 055 242 1070, including for people who are not yet our patients.
Education, not medical advice. This page explains home hemodialysis in general terms for patients and care partners in the UAE. It is reviewed by Trivita's Medical Director but cannot account for your individual circumstances. Never change a prescription, medication or technique based on this page alone.